The Bell Tower Coming to Carlton Landing

The Story Behind Carlton Landing’s New Bell Tower

If you’ve driven into Carlton Landing recently from the Stevens Road entrance near the marina, you may have noticed something new taking shape.

Construction is underway on a bell tower at Carlton Landing Community Church, and once completed, it will become one of the most recognizable landmarks in town.

But the tower isn’t just a decorative structure. It’s part of a thoughtful vision that blends architecture, community identity, and a bit of small-town tradition.

In a recent podcast episode, I sat down with Pastor Cole Feix to talk about the story behind the bell tower and what it will mean for Carlton Landing.

Why Build a Bell Tower?

Interestingly, the bell tower wasn’t originally the starting point.

For years, the church had discussed adding a sign so visitors driving through town would know what the building was. Many first-time visitors often ask that question.

At the same time, people frequently wondered why the church didn’t have a more traditional feature like a steeple or cross tower.

As these conversations evolved, the idea of a bell tower began to take shape — something that could serve multiple purposes at once.

The tower could:

• Provide visible signage for the church

• Add architectural beauty to the campus

• Serve as a welcoming landmark for people entering town

• Reflect the design traditions seen in historic towns

A “Gift to the Street”

One concept that influenced the design comes from a principle in town planning often called “a gift to the street.”

This idea suggests that buildings should contribute something beautiful or inviting to the public spaces around them.

Sometimes that gift is landscaping, a plaza, or interesting architecture.

In this case, the bell tower will serve as a visual landmark — especially for people entering Carlton Landing near the marina.

For many visitors, it will be one of the first structures they see when arriving in town.

What the Bell Tower Will Look Like

The design blends classical architectural proportions with elements that match Carlton Landing’s style.

The tower will stand just under 40 feet tall, topped with a stainless steel cross.

Some of its key features include:

• A brick base with tall arches that people can walk through

• A timber-vaulted ceiling visible from beneath the arches

• Engraved bricks in the floor honoring donors and families

• A white middle section with windows

• An open timber frame at the top displaying the bell

The arches will actually span the sidewalk leading to the church, so visitors walking from the street will pass directly through the tower.

The Story of the Bell

One of the most interesting parts of the project is the bell itself.

Before the tower was even designed, the church began searching for a bell.

They eventually found a 350-pound cast iron bell that had once been used in a schoolhouse in Iowa.

When the school was renovated, the bell was gifted to a family connected to the school administration. Over time, it became difficult to store or display — and the family wanted it to ring again rather than sit unused.

That’s how it eventually made its way to Carlton Landing.

Soon, it will once again serve its original purpose.

Marking Time in a Small Town

Historically, church bells often marked the rhythm of daily life in towns.

They signaled the start of church services, special events, or even simply the passing of time.

The Carlton Landing bell tower may bring back a small piece of that tradition.

While it won’t ring constantly, the bell will likely be used during special moments — like Sunday services or community events.

A Community Time Capsule

Another unique feature of the tower will be the engraved brick floor inside the arches.

Families and supporters will be able to donate bricks with their names engraved on them.

The idea is that the tower will serve as a kind of time capsule, capturing a snapshot of the people who were part of the Carlton Landing community when the tower was built.

Years from now, visitors will be able to walk through the tower and see the names of families who helped make it possible.

When Will It Be Finished?

Construction is already underway, and the hope is for the bell tower to be completed sometime this spring.

If all goes according to plan, it could even be ready around Easter — though spring weather may affect the timeline.

Either way, by summer the tower should be fully completed and ready for visitors to walk through.

A New Landmark for Carlton Landing

Carlton Landing has always been intentional about thoughtful design and community spaces.

The bell tower continues that tradition.

It will be a place people pass through on their way to church, pause beneath on a walk through town, or simply notice as they arrive in Carlton Landing for the first time.

And when the bell rings, it will add one more small but meaningful detail to the life of the town.

Listen to episode 41 on Spotify HERE and Apple Podcast HERE.